The EU in the G20 The G20 is the international forum bringing together the 20 largest and fastest-growing economies. Its members account for around 85% of the world's GDP, 75% of global trade and 60% of the population of the planet.The European Union is a full member of the G20, alongside three of its Member States: France, Germany, and Italy. Spain and the Netherlands are invited as guests to the G20 meetings. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council, represent the European Union at the G20.The European Union is one of the largest economies in the world and it is the world’s largest single market area, representing roughly 15% of world gross domestic product (2023). The European Union accounts for around 6% of the world’s population, surpassed only by China and India when it comes to the number of people it represents at the G20 Summit table. Johannesburg Summit, 22-23 November 2025 In November 2025, South Africa hosted the G20 Summit - the first G20 Summit on African soil.During the summit, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised that clean energy transitions and a rules-based global trading system were essential for tackling climate change, unlocking economic opportunities, and correcting major global imbalances, especially by supporting developing regions like Africa that hold vast renewable potential. She underlined the EU’s commitment to leading on climate goals, investing heavily in clean energy and fair trade partnerships, and collaborating through institutions such as the WTO, IMF, and World Bank to build a more balanced, resilient global economy. Scaling up renewable energy in Africa Ahead of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, a year-long pledging campaign to scale up renewables in Africa was concluded.The campaign has secured €15.5 billion to power a clean future across the continent. The European Union has led the pledging effort, contributing over €15.1 billion, including more than €10 billion from Team Europe.Read more about the campaign
In November 2025, South Africa hosted the G20 Summit - the first G20 Summit on African soil.During the summit, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised that clean energy transitions and a rules-based global trading system were essential for tackling climate change, unlocking economic opportunities, and correcting major global imbalances, especially by supporting developing regions like Africa that hold vast renewable potential. She underlined the EU’s commitment to leading on climate goals, investing heavily in clean energy and fair trade partnerships, and collaborating through institutions such as the WTO, IMF, and World Bank to build a more balanced, resilient global economy.
